When architect Christopher Chong and his partner Seonaid Mackenzie first purchased the <a href="http://www.moravola.com/architecture_clearance.html">Torre di Moravola</a> in Italy, the 12th century watchtower was a crumble of ruins that had bushes and trees sticking out of it. They naively entered into the contract, underestimating what it would take to bring it back to life. But six years later, the stone building has emerged as a gorgeous <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/boutique-hotel/">boutique hotel</a> overlooking the majestic Tiber Valley.

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

Christopher Chong and his partner spent six years converting the Toree di Moravola watchtower into a boutique hotel

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

The 12th century stone building was in ruins when they first purchased it

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

They re-stabilized the structure using steel and concrete

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

There are communal areas, two sitting rooms with ancient fireplaces, and a large terrace

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

Two atria on either side of the watch tower bring in natural light

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

It's a beautiful hotel that pays ultimate respect to the historical aspects of this remarkable building

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Torre di Moravola by Christopher Chong

When architect Christopher Chong and his partner Seonaid Mackenzie first purchased the Torre di Moravola in Italy, the 12th century watchtower was a crumble of ruins that had bushes and trees sticking out of it. They naively entered into the contract, underestimating what it would take to bring it back to life. But six years later, the stone building has emerged as a gorgeous boutique hotel overlooking the majestic Tiber Valley.